For much of yesterday Rafael Benítez will have viewed the prospect of an FA
Cup replay with as much enthusiasm as an invitation to address a Chelsea
fans’ forum, yet in the end he grabbed it as if it was the famous old trophy
itself. Desperation does that to you, and there can be few situations in
football more desperate than Benítez’s plight.

Chelsea could actually have nicked a pulsating Cup tie in which they were
second best for long periods had referee Jonathan Moss spotted a clear
handball from Harlee Dean in the 93rd minute, but not even Benítez